An Army Sergeant Faced The Loss Of His Legs. He Responded By Becoming A Worldwide Yoga Instructor

12:30 PM 01/11/2019 | US

Grace Carr | Reporter

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An Iraq war veteran’s life was spiraling out of control after both his legs were amputated, but he credits yoga with saving his life — and now, he’s an international instructor.

Retired Army staff sergeant Dan Nevins, 46, had his legs severely injured in an explosion while he was serving a tour in Iraq in 2004, The Washington Post reported. He endured 36 surgeries, had both legs amputated, and spent nearly two years constantly going to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

A divorce from his wife exasperated his battle to accept what had occurred.

Realizing he needed help, Nevins contacted a friend, Anna Dennis, who told him he needed to add yoga to his daily routine. Nevins initially scoffed at the suggestion before deciding to adhere to her advice. It was 2014 — a decade after he lost his legs.

Following what began as a frustrating and difficult exercise, yoga eventually became Nevins’s saving grace.

“I raised my arms, and it felt as though life was shooting out of my hands,” he said, according to WaPo. “Tears were streaming down my face.”

Veteran U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dan Nevins walks on the runway during the Dressed To Kilt charity fashion show in New York April 5, 2010. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Erskine Hospital of Scotland and the Wounded Warrior Project. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

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